November 21 was set for the response of the two archimandrites of Abvakum Monastery, Nektarios and Porphyrios, to the charges they face before the Criminal Court of Nicosia.
The case, which concerns the financial aspect of the Holy Monastery of St. Avvakum scandal and which was set today, was adjourned again, after the defense of the accused asked for time to study the new witness material, which - as it stated in Court - was given to it just yesterday by the accusing Authority.
Besides, the defense stated that at the next trial it is going to raise an objection on the indictment, specifically on its multiplicity.
It is noted that five new charges have been added to the indictment regarding theft of property from an agent.
As a result, the two Archimandrites now face 24 charges, up from the previous 19, with the new charges carrying a longer jail term than ordinary theft.
The charges that the two Archimandrites are facing are, among others, conspiracy to commit murder, committing a felony, illegal possession of property of 196 thousand euros, theft from an agent (5 new charges related to this particular crime), forgery, circulation of a forgery , theft, money laundering, false tax declaration and interference with legal proceedings.
The two Archimandrites will remain free on parole until the next hearing.
All the members of the brotherhood of the Holy Monastery of Abvakum were also present in the courtroom today.
The presumption of innocence applies to all defendants, until proven guilty by the court, beyond all reasonable doubt.
